Zines in libraries: how, what and why?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sets out to discuss the importance of collecting alternative press materials, particularly zines, in libraries and presents case studies of zine collections; Barnard College Library and the New York Public Library.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds on work presented by the authors and others at the 12th National ACRL conference in Minneapolis, where zine collections in different types of academic and research libraries were discussed.

Findings

Zines document contemporary culture in the same way newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and movies as, but from a much different point‐of‐view. It is important for libraries to collect zines, and all alternative press materials, to ensure balanced and diverse collections, as well as securing primary source material for scholars today and in the future.

Originality/value

This paper provides concrete examples of how two libraries are handling collections of zines.

Citation

Gisonny, K. and Freedman, J. (2006), "Zines in libraries: how, what and why?", Collection Building, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 26-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950610641610